quintessential

adjective

ËŒkwin-tÉ™-ˈsen(t)-shÉ™l How to pronounce quintessential (audio)
Definition of quintessentialnext
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of quintessential Lightweight and breathable, the Suuksess Wide-leg Linen Pants are the quintessential summer pants—relaxed, flowy, and easy to dress up with a silk top and heeled sandals or throw on over a bathing suit for a beach day. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2026 Our menswear selling is strong across all categories, as customers lean into lighter seasonal materials, like linen — a quintessential summer fabric. — David Moin, Footwear News, 23 July 2026 Guitarist Trey Anastasio completed the illusion onstage in a quintessential ’90s look, sporting a sleeveless black shirt. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 23 July 2026 Anti-Skinny Jeans While skinny jeans remain a quintessential wardrobe staple for many millennials, celebrities are swapping body-hugging denim for more relaxed silhouettes. — Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
  1. classic
  2. exemplary
  3. perfect
  4. archetypal
  5. definitive
  6. excellent
Adjective
  • And classic cheesecake benefits from orange marmalade and candied pistachio crumbles.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • Reading classic books can teach you as much about the present as the past.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 31 July 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • The award recognizes exemplary work that both preserves Pennsylvania's historic places and adapts them to serve present and future communities.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • Babitz courted danger with heedless bravado and exemplary recklessness.
    — Steve Wasserman, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of exemplary
Adjective
  • Their aggression on the bases wasn’t perfect — Koss and Drew Gilbert were both picked off — but the Giants have clearly made the steal more of a priority.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
  • Beyond these coolers, there are several other styles of cooler boxes and bags perfect for a day at the beach.
    — Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2026
Definition of perfect
Adjective
  • Lestat remembers himself like a bit of an archetypal fairytale babe in the woods in the recounting of his human life.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 June 2026
  • Just over two miles south of the historic village of Tintagel, Trebarwith is a wild, archetypal north‑coast beach—a mile‑long sweep of golden sand and rocky outcrops visible only at low tide.
    — Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Definition of archetypal
Adjective
  • Like many of the club’s acquisitions, Straus’ had been lauded as a definitive step in the right direction for a team that has largely underperformed.
    — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Americans are increasingly seeking innovative therapies for aging, chronic pain and longevity; often faster than science can provide definitive answers.
    — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • Edoya, where brushes have been made by hand since 1718, is around the corner, and Nexpect, an excellent specialty coffee shop, is a short walk away.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Namely stage 13 when the race split into pieces, Tom Pidcock climbed back up the GC, Pedersen had to make a desperate attempt to reach Philipsen up the road to defend green, and the excellent Mauro Schmid got the victory his talent deserves.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of excellent

Browse Nearby Words

quintessences
quintessential
quintet
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Cite this Entry

“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on quintessential

Nglish: Translation of quintessential for Spanish Speakers

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